What is a Faith that Pleases God?
“Without faith it is impossible to please God. He who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. “
Hebrews 11:6
What is Faith?
Faith believes He will fulfill His promised, He will reveal His will. We take that by faith (we believe and trust that He will do).
We study His word. Romans 10:17 says “so then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.“
After we hear and study we walk (practice) in obedience. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says “we walk by faith and not by sight.”
FAITH PLEASES GOD
If we obey His command. We are showing we have faith. And that pleases God. We can’t please God in any other means except by Faith.
God rewards faith (He who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a re-warder of those who seek Him) God has given us His Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who will produce in us the rewards of God.
We can’t please God in any other means except by Faith.
THE SPIRIT CAUSES US TO BE MORE LIKE CHRIST.
This is the goal of the Spirit in our lives. It is to make us like Christ. Romans 8:29 “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.”
THE SPIRIT INCREASES OUR FAITH THAT LEADS TO FAITHFULNESS
James 1:3 “the testing of our faith produces perseverance. “ Because we need perseverance. V.4 “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The ability to persevere is the trait that allows us to be faithful.
THE SPIRIT PRODUCES FAITHFULNESS THAT GLORIFIES GOD BEFORE OTHERS
2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
What is our part? We need to keep being filled by the Spirit.
How are we to be filled? We need to have a conscious effort of surrendering our thoughts to the control of the Spirit. We are subjecting our minds to the Spirit in a moment by moment condition. “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.”
1. Be Filled with the Word of God. The Holy Spirit operates in the word of God to produce His attributes. “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. ” So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
2. Be Filled by prayer; “always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.”
3. Filled by Obedience. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Conclusion:
- God has given us His Spirit.
- And the Spirit has given us faith so that we can put our trust in God.
- The Spirit enables us to grow in our faith.
- And the Spirit cause us to walk in faithfulness and obedience to His word.
